Case Study: Building Resilient, Authentic Leaders at WarnerMedia
Company Context
In 2020, WarnerMedia was navigating one of the most turbulent periods in its history. The organization was still integrating HBO, Turner and Warner Bros. following its acquisition by AT&T, while also launching HBO Max to compete in the increasingly crowded streaming market. The year brought three rounds of layoffs, a major corporate restructuring and ongoing uncertainty about the company’s future—culminating in the announcement, just months later, of the planned merger with Discovery. Leaders at every level were working in a fully virtual environment, managing change fatigue, driving new “Ways We Work” cultural priorities and addressing urgent calls for racial equity and inclusion—all while balancing personal resilience.
Amid this upheaval, WarnerMedia partnered with Evolve to strengthen leadership capacity, emotional resilience and adaptability across the organization.
The Engagement
Evolve provided one-on-one leadership coaching to a diverse cohort of WarnerMedia leaders across functions including HR, marketing finance, technology and talent acquisition. The coaching was designed to:
Build self-awareness, resilience and emotional regulation in a high-change, high-pressure environment.
Strengthen strategic thinking, communication and influence skills.
Support leaders in aligning personal values with organizational priorities.
Foster authentic leadership and healthy relationships, both vertically (managing up) and laterally (peer collaboration).
Equip leaders to model WarnerMedia’s Ways We Work values: Aim High, Succeed Together and Focus on the Future.
Representative Leader Journeys
While each coaching engagement was unique, several common themes emerged:
1. From Self-Doubt to Self-Authority
One newly promoted manager entered coaching unsure of her goals, struggling with imposter syndrome and overextending herself to meet perceived expectations. Through Evolve’s holistic coaching, she learned to set boundaries, advocate for her team and trust her instincts—leading to a significant promotion, broader scope of responsibility and greater presence as a leader. “I definitely would not have gotten promoted if it wasn’t for you and this program,” she reflected.
2. From Reactive to Resilient
A senior finance executive described feeling “stuck in a box of safe routine” and overly self-critical. Coaching focused on emotional regulation, reframing negative narratives and practicing courageous conversations. Over time, he reported a dramatic drop in “freaking out and expecting the worst,” increased empathy and a greater ability to lead his team authentically during organizational change.
3. From Second-Guessing to Strategic Confidence
A long-tenured HR leader recognized his tendency to avoid conflict and over-rely on trusted allies. Coaching helped him build confidence, clarity and inner authority. He stepped into higher visibility roles during the reorg, put himself forward for leadership opportunities and began to balance serving both the company and its people without losing his own voice.
4. From Image-Driven to Authentic Leadership
A technology executive, recovering from a missed promotion, used coaching to deepen self-acceptance, reduce perfectionism and shift from people-pleasing to principled leadership. He developed a stronger personal leadership story, embraced delegation and anchored decisions in core values—positioning himself for future growth while contributing more effectively in the present.
Impact
Across the cohort, Evolve coaching delivered measurable and intangible benefits:
Career Advancement: Promotions, expanded scope and increased visibility for multiple participants.
Emotional Resilience: Greater ability to navigate ambiguity, manage stress and bounce back from setbacks.
Strategic Communication: Improved skill in managing up, giving feedback and engaging peers with influence rather than overextension.
Authentic Leadership: Stronger alignment between personal values and leadership style, reducing burnout and increasing trust.
Organizational Value: Leaders better able to embody WarnerMedia’s Ways We Work philosophy, driving cultural integration during a time of historic change.
Client Voice
“This has been so transformative. I thought coaching would just be about skills. I’m leaving feeling like a completely different person.” – Talent Acquisition Leader
“I’m kinder to myself. I haven’t been this kind to myself in decades.” – Senior Finance Leader
“Coaching with you has been life changing.” – Technology Executive
Evolve’s takeaway:
Even in the midst of layoffs, restructurings and market disruption, leadership growth is not only possible—it’s essential. By helping leaders integrate self-awareness, resilience and strategic clarity, we prepared them to meet both the immediate demands of a volatile year and the long-term challenges of leading through uncertainty.
Ready to strengthen your creative leaders?
Evolve partners with organizations in the creative and built environments to help leaders thrive through change. Let’s explore how we can equip your teams with the resilience, clarity and authenticity they need to shape what’s next.